Being in close proximity and being involved with creates a more intense community tie and personal connection that is based on real life and active interaction. Having my daughter move in with me and then live close to me and interact with me brought about new life that was not present when she lived in New York and our interactions were long distant formalities. Doing all of life together is the way to create and keep a close intimate relationship. Texting or phone calls or a card on a birthday does not create and develop the same completeness and depth of real life connection.
Our life with God is pretty much the same. God with us (Immanuel) brings life and deep connections! My maturity and close connection and mutual mind with Jesus has greatly increased due to my talking to and with Him all day long, every day, about everything!
I have recently started keeping a log of my interactions with Jesus each day. This has lead to making a note of the little things I see Him doing each day. And, this leads to thanking Him for all the little things. This is creating an intense relational daily connection with Him!